Roman Emperors - Nerva (Evans Gambit)

Nerva ( 8 November, 30 AD – 27 January, 98 AD), was Roman Emperor from 96 to 98. Nerva became Emperor at the age of sixty-five, after a lifetime of imperial service under Nero and the rulers of the Flavian dynasty. On 18 September 96, Domitian was assassinated in a palace conspiracy involving members of the Praetorian Guard and several of his freedmen. On the same day, Nerva was declared emperor by the Roman Senate. Nerva's brief reign was marred by financial difficulties and his inability to assert his authority over the Roman army. Nerva adopted Trajan, a young and popular general, as his successor. Although much of his life remains obscure, Nerva was considered a wise and moderate emperor by ancient historians. Nerva's greatest success was his ability to ensure a peaceful transition of power after his death, thus founding the Nerva–Antonine dynasty.